Sources of valuable traits for perennial grass breeding

Aim. The purpose was to identify collection accessions – sources of valuable traits to use as starting material for creating varieties of perennial grasses in Western Ukraine. Results and Discussion. Perennial grasses play an essential role in improving the efficiency of forage production. They produce a fodder mass that contains major macro- and micronutrients, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and other nutrients in available forms, with a high energy protein saturation. Practice shows that due to the introduction of varietal crops into production in combination with optimal technologies of their cultivation, which allows revealing the potential of each variety, it is possible to additionally obtain 20-30% higher yields of fodder mass annually and harvest 2 to 3-fold seed yields. In 2016-2020, a search was carried out and 570 new accessions of perennial grasses were recruited, of which 201 were legumes and 369 were graminaceous grasses. The collection contains 1,319 accessions, of which 232 are Trifolium pratense L., 115 are Trifolium repens L., 49 are Trifolium hybridum L., 107 are Lotus corniculatus L., 80 belong to other legume species (Medicago, Galega orientalis L. Galega orientalis L. and Trifolium species), 131 are Phleum pratense L., 187 are Dactylis glomerata L., 146 are Lolium perenne L., 53 are Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) J. et C.Presl., 67 are Festuca rubra L., 28 are Festuca trachyphylla L., 32 are Bromopsis inermis (Leyss.) Holub, 92 belong to other species of other types of graminaceous grasses (Festuca pratensis Huds., Festuca arundinacea Schreb., Agrostis alba L. etc.). Accessions that enter the Department are registered and sown for propagation in the field. After examination, valuable accessions are transferred to the National Depository and registered in the National Catalogue; the rest of the obtained seeds are used in working collections. Conclusions. The best collection accessions were identified by a set of economically valuable traits: sources of daily growth of shoots (30), winter hardiness (28), plant height (22), yield of green mass upon haymaking (28) and pasture (19) use, forage productivity (15), seed productivity (25), foliage (21), and disease resistance (23). They can be recommended as starting material to create varieties of perennial grasses with high yields of forage mass and seeds for various applications.

Formation and composition of trait melon (Сucumis melo L.) collection

The aim of the article was to present the results on the formation of a trait collection of melons at the Southern State Agricultural Experimental Station of the Institute of Water Problems and Land Reclamation of NAAS of Ukraine, which contains 57 specimens (one botanical species, one subspecies and three varieties) from 11 countries. Results and Discussion. The collection includes specimens with 35 economically valuable traits, which can be useful for the lecture course Plant Breeding and as starting material for breeding research institutions. Each specimen was comprehensively studied and evaluated for performance and resistance to biotic and abiotic factors and described in terms of morphological features for three years. In addition to the species diversity, the trait collections included specimens with different levels of expression of valuable economic and biological traits. The collection also included specimens selected by phenotypic variability of individual traits or their combinations. The results of multi-year work with the melon collection specimens allowed us to identify sources of valuable economic traits with high levels of their expression, which are of interest for the lecture course Plant Breeding. Conclusion. The history of the melon breeding in Ukraine is shown; breeding varieties, which are most widespread or were a significant breeding achievement in solving certain problems, are presented. The collection can be used in plant breeding and as starting material in research and educational institutions.

Adaptability of winter bread wheat by homeostaticity and breeding value

Aim. To determine the adaptability of modern winter bread wheat varieties by homeostaticity and breeding value of their yields in the northeastern forest-steppe of Ukraine. Results and Discussion. The adaptability of modern winter bread wheat varieties was determined by homeostaticity and breeding value of their yields in the northeastern forest-steppe of Ukraine. It was found that, in mid-tall genotypes, homeostaticity (Hom) ranged 22.6 to 84.5 with a higher breeding value (Sc = 3.49–6.32) compared to semi-dwarf accessions (Hom = 18.9–56, 3 and Sc = 3.16–4.99, respectively). Korovaina (Hom = 84.5) and Vyhadka (Hom = 75.8) (UKR) are highly homeostatic mid-tall accessions. As to the semi-dwarf group, MV Nador (HUN) was the best in terms of this trait (V = 10.8%; Hom = 56.3). We demonstrated that the shares of the middle-homeostatic accessions were 28.6% in the mid-tall group and 30.8% in the semi-dwarf group; the shares of the low-homeostatic accessions were 57.1% and 69.2%, respectively. We selected sources with the highest breeding value for this parameter of adaptability, which exceed its average value in the experiment (Sc = 4.9). They include Metelytsia Kharkivska (Sc = 6.32), Korovaina (Sc = 6.16), Raihorodka (Sc = 6.00), Vyhadka (Sc = 5.74), Zoloto Ukrainy (Sc = 5.63), Darynka Kyivska (Sc = 5.42), and Hubernator (Sc = 5.08) (UKR). The shares of sources distinguished due to their breeding value are 50% in the mid-tall group and 38.5% in the semi-dwarf group. Conclusions. Korovaina (Hom = 84.5; Sc = 6.16) and Vyhadka (Hom = 75.8; Sc = 5.74) (UKR) are the most significant mid-tall genotypes that combine high homeostaticity and breeding value. The sources of adaptability identified in the study of homeostaticity and breeding value are valuable starting material to create new highly adaptive and promising varieties of winter bread wheat in the northeastern forest-steppe of Ukraine.

Study of the national rice collection for economically valuable characterisitcs in the south of Ukraine

The aim was to form and study a national rice collection, identifying accessions by economically valuable traits for further use in breeding. Results and Discussion. The results of the national rice collection allowed for identification of sources of economically valuable traits: growing period, yield, plant height, panicle performance, vitreousness, stress crack, total output of groats and whole kernels, disease resistance (blast disease), etc. Of the studied accessions, valuable for breeding varieties and lines were selected as sources of individual valuable traits (UIR 3095, Marzhan, UIR 8493, Viаlone Nano, Pashali, Aral 202, Egyption gasmine, Cheope). The UIR 3095-14 line received a registration certificate for a plant gene pool accession in Ukraine. Having studied the collection and having distinguished reference varieties and sources of economically valuable traits, we built up a trait collection of rice by technological characteristics of rice grain and registered it with the National Center for Plant Genetic Resources of Ukraine based (Certificate No. 293 dated 11.05.2020) Conclusions. For effective breeding work, constant studies of the national rice collection are conducted. Varieties and lines – sources of valuable traits have been identified; their inclusion in breeding in the future will make it possible to obtain varieties that maximally combine several economically valuable traits in one genotype.

New apple-tree (Malus domestica Mill.) varieties as sourses of breeding valuable traits

Aim. To identify sources of several valuable economic and biological traits among new Ukrainian and foreign cultivars. Results and Discussion. The weather in the spring of 2019 and 2020 contributed to the epiphytotic development of scab, which allowed for assessment of susceptibility of new cultivars to this disease and for identification of sources of high resistance to it. There were no pathogen signs in immune cvs. Harant, Goldrush, Topaz, and William's Pride, which are carriers of the scab resistance oligogen (Vf). No cultivars that would be consistently highly-resistant to this disease in the field have been found. The creation of cultivars with a columnar crown remains a promising trend in breeding. Cv. Ruslan is a columnarity source. As to fruit yield, the leaders were Elise, Geneva Early, Goldrush, Honeycrisp, Pilot, and Topaz. Cvs. Harant, Ruslan, Elise, William's Pride gave stable fruit yields. Cvs. Kakhovske, Alionushkino, Julia, Honeycrisp, and Topaz give yields every year. Cvs. Harant, Malakhit and Rubin are sources of large fruits. Cv. Harant is noticeable for stable expression of this trait, which makes it a reference of large fruits. Mid-sized apples are considered the most optimal for selling. The sources of this trait are cvs. Ruslan, Elise, Honeycrisp, Szampion Arno, and Topaz. Most of the studied cultivars have round or flat-round fruits. Kakhovske apples are distinguished by their unordinary oval (sinapoid) shape. Sources of several features that determine highly-attractive appearance of their fruits have been distinguished. These are cvs. Harant, Malakhit, Ruslan, Elise, Geneva Early, Honeycrisp, Rubin, and William's Pride. Apples of cvs. Kakhovske, Elise, Honeycrisp, Rubin, and William's Pride are characterized by excellent palatability. Cultivars that are sources of several valuable economic and biological traits have been selected. Conclusions. Modern apple cultivars are starting material for creating new cultivars that will meet the future requirements. Cvs. Harant, Ruslan, Elise, Honeycrisp, Topaz, and William's Pride are sources of the maximum number of selectively valuable traits. By crossing them with cvs. Kakhovske, Malakhit, Alionushkino, Geneva Early, Goldrush, Julia, Pilot, and Rubin, it is possible to obtain genotypes with various ripening periods, which would combine immunity to scab, compact crown, high and stable yield, and high quality fruits.

Dnipropetrovska and Kharkivska oblasts plant genetic resources

Aim: collection of local wild and cultural gene pool accessions of the plants adapted to the conditions of Dnipropetrovska and Kharkivska oblasts of Ukraine for selection from them ones valuable on economic and biological traits, including them in the plant-breeding and research programs and maintenance in collections of the National Plant Genebank of Ukraine. Results and Discussion. There is carried out expeditionary inspection of the districts of Dnipropetrovska and Kharkivska regions of Ukraine. 473 gene pool accessions of cultural plants and wild relative forms adapted to the conditions of this region related to 165 botanical species are collected. 274 herbarium sheets of 53 plant species are prepared. Natural reserves and objects of the naturally-protected fund are explored for seed collection of rare and regionally rare species, and also vegetation of burial mounds, ravines, beams, slopes, undisturbed steppe areas. Points for the establishment of in situ conservation reserves have been identified. The collected material will ensure the expansion of the genetic base of existing and the creation of new genetic resources collections of field, medicinal and other crops due to samples characterized by adaptability to stress abiotic and resistance to biotic factors, productivity, product quality. Conclusions. 473 seeds packages and planting material units of gene pool accessions are collected during the expedition and transferred to research institutions for the study. The results of the expedition showed the promise of continuing expeditionary surveys and collecting gene pool samples in Ukraine. To do this, it is necessary to equip the NCPGRU with a specialized vehicle and provide for a special article to finance expeditions.

Peculiarities of the soybean gene pool under irrigation in the south of Ukraine

The study aim was to investigate the genetic diversity of plant collections under irrigation, to select valuable genotypes, basing in multi-year studies, and to use them for creating new varieties and unique information for breeders and researchers. Results and Discussion. The article presents the results of studying soybean accessions, which were introduced in 2016-2020, in the Breeding Department of the Institute of Irrigated Agriculture. Thirty-seven new soybean accessions have been studied. Using correlation analysis, we found that the plant height, the lowest pod attachment height, the productive node number on branches, the number of additional branches per plant, the pod and seed numbers per plant the most significantly and directly correlated with the performance (seed weight per plant). Reference accessions have been chosen for the following characteristics: high 1000-seed weight (B 19/622, UD0202677 (KAZ)); very short length of the “seedlings-full ripeness” period (Aktai, UKR01200 (HUN), А 9/562, UD0201408 (KAZ)); large lowest pod attachment height above the soil level (A 16/145, UD0201414; A 14/253, UD0202637 (KAZ)); high seed yield (B 46/6-, UD0201425 (KAZ)). Some varieties have been distinguished due to several economically valuable traits: very short length of the “seedlings-full ripeness” period and moderate lowest pod attachment height above the soil level; short length of the “seedlings-full ripeness” period and disease and drought resistance; large lowest pod attachment height above the soil level and resistance to diseases and drought; high yield of seeds, disease resistance and ultra early ripeness; high 1000-seed weight, disease and drought resistance; ultra early ripeness and yield. Conclusions. Enrichment of the collection with new soybean accessions, investigations and involvement of them in breeding is a way to create high-yielding soybean varieties adapted to irrigation, resistant to diseases and lodging.

Comparative varieties characteristics of watermelon accessions of ukrainian and foreign breeding

Aim. Evaluation of the common watermelon gene pool in terms of yield, marketable fruit weight and dry soluble matter content and isolation of the most valuable accessions for use in breeding programs. Results and Discussion. The article presents the results of studies on the assessment of 153 samples of common watermelon of Ukrainian and foreign selection in terms of yield, weight of marketable fruit and the content of dry soluble substances. One accession with very high level of fruit yield (> 113% to the standard) was selected – accession Lad (62,3 t/ha) from Ukraine. With high level of yield (> 101% to the standard), samples from Russia were selected: Solntsedar (55,7t/ha), Podarok Solntsa (58t/ha) and Samurai (58,3t/ha). With yield closed to the standard (97,7%) there was a sample from Russia – Shapka Imperatora (53,5t/ha). The mass of marketable fruit, 5 samples were the best: Solntsedar (2,5 kg), Lad (2,6 kg), Yatum (2,86 kg), Samurai (3,04 kg), Podarok Solntsa (3,99 kg). According to the content of dry soluble matter, samples from Ukraine were selected as a source for breeding: Alyi solodkyi (14%) and accession from Czech Republic Sugar baby (15%). According to the complex of features (consistently high yield, high taste), the following samples are of practical value for breeding: Lad, Yatum, Alyi solodkyi (Ukraine); Solntsedar, Podarok Solntsa, Samurai (Russia), Sugar baby (Czech Republic). Conclusions. Based on the results of the study of 153 collection accessions of common watermelon during 2018–2020. Accessions were selected: 4 by yield (55,7-62,3t/ha), 5 by fruit weight (2,51-3,99 kg), 2 by content of dry soluble matter (14-15 mg%), 7 by complex of valuable features.

Environmental plasticity of sunflower lines for valuable economic traits

Our aim was to study the environmental plasticity of female sunflower lines for valuable economic traits, to select lines for heterosis breeding - sources of valuable economic traits with different categories of environmental plasticity. Results and Discussion. Expression of economically valuable traits and their environmental plasticity were studied in female maternal sunflower lines, including lines bred at NAAS institutions. Analyses of variance and regression showed that the lines were ranked according to the genotypic effect and the regression coefficient of these traits. Sunflower lines, which give relatively high yields and demonstrate optimal responses to the year conditions, are recommended to use in breeding for adaptability: short-season line Skh 1006 A (1.48 t/ha), early ripening line Skh 503 A (1.56 t/ha) and mid-early line Od 1042 A (1.60 t/ha). Early ripening line Skh 1002 A (50.4%) and mid-early line Od 1024 A (50.1%) are recommended to use in breeding programs as sources of high oil content and optimal expression of this trait across the years. Line Skh 51 A with a consistently high 1000-achene weight is a valuable source of large seeds. Mid-early line Od 1024 A is noticeable for a stable 1000-achene weight across the years and can serve as a valuable source in breeding programs to achieve a desirable level of this trait. A stable diameter of head was noted in early ripening lines Skh 1010 A and Skh 503 A and in mid-early line Skh 1012 A, which can be used as sources of this trait. Conclusions. The levels and environmental plasticity of the valuable economic traits were evaluated in the female sunflower lines. The lines were grouped in ranks according to the genotypic effect and the regression coefficient of the traits. Short-season, early ripening and mid-early sunflower lines have been identified as sources of valuable traits with different categories of response to the year conditions. The sunflower lines combining relatively high yield, oil content, 1000-achene weight and head diameter with an optimal response to the year conditions are recommended to use in breeding for adaptability.

Rice (Orysa sativa L.) seed storage under controlled conditions

Viability of rice (Orysa sativa L.) seeds accessions: subsp. japonica: var. italica, var. nigro-apiculata, var. subvulgaris; subsp. indica, var. mutica and var. fortuna was analised. The seed accessions were grown in the southern steppe of Ukraine and then stored at 4°C and −20°C. According to the research results, it is established that rice seeds in favorable cultivation years are able to maintain the original germination without significant changes for 10 years and longer with 6-8% moisture content even at 4°C storage temperature. There were no differences of rice seeds longevity of the same accessions stored at 4°C and −20°C. Differences of rice seed longevity of subsp. japonica and subsp. indica are discussed.